I want to know if Secretary Hagel was under orders from the Commander-in-Chief when he broke the law by circumventing Congress and releasing dangerous Taliban leaders.

Congressman John Fleming, M.D., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of next week’s hearing with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on the release of Taliban prisoners:

“By law, it is Secretary Hagel’s duty to ensure that any release from Guantanamo is in the best interests of our national security. It is also his duty to notify Congress at least 30 days before a release, and to explain the details of how that release will be handled. I want to hear Secretary Hagel explain why he disregarded those legal responsibilities, and I want him to explain how he believes it will impact our national security to release five dangerous, high-ranking Taliban leaders. Also, what new dangers does it pose to our service members if our enemies believe they can win back more terrorists by kidnapping members of our military? And, I want to know if Secretary Hagel was under orders from the Commander-in Chief when he broke the law by circumventing Congress."

Note: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is scheduled to appear before the House Armed Services Committee on June 11.

Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.